KEEP METH AWAY

Police tell us that, at least so far, the reported discovery of a
methamphetamine lab in a Coventry home is an isolated incident. Let's hope so.

Authorities have charged a Warwick resident and a Coventry resident
in their investigation, in which police said they found a Shady
Valley Road home full of ingredients used to make the drugs.

We commend the authorities involved for acting quickly, and
successfully coordinating efforts among various levels of law
enforcement - because if they hadn't, the results could have been disastrous.

Let's be clear: Methamphetamines are bad, bad news. Whatever drug
problems we've already got in our communities, we don't want them
complicated by the introduction of this particular scourge. When meth
hits a community, it tends to hit hard. As soon as it gets a foothold
in a neighborhood, it takes over, with insidious perseverance.

Methamphetamines, most commonly sold on the street as crystal meth or
anyone of a number of impure variants, is highly psychologically
addictive. Those who ingest it are loaded up with excessive energy.

Withdrawal can be a difficult experience, marked by severe
depression, anxiety, and, of course, craving of the drug itself.

And then, of course, is the secondary but still pressing reason we
don't want to see meth get a hold in our towns - clandestine
methamphetamine laboratories are virtual powder kegs. The slightest
mistakes in handling the materials used to make the drug can result
in explosions and fires that take out entire homes.

Methamphetamine is more than a public health hazard; it's an
immediate and extreme safety hazard. We urge anyone with any
information at all about methamphetamine or other illicit drug
distribution to contact their local authorities immediately. You can
reach the Warwick Police Department Tip line at 732-8477, the West
Warwick Police Department at 821-4323, or the Coventry Police
Department 856-1100. Those with drug problems can contact the Kent
Center for help at 738-4300.